Lives of Harry Lime, The

The Lives of Harry Lime, also known as The Third Man, is a captivating old-time radio series that brings to life the adventures of the charismatic and morally ambiguous Harry Lime. Originally conceived as a prequel to the acclaimed 1949 film The Third Man, this series expands on the enigmatic character created by Graham Greene, offering listeners a deeper dive into Lime’s colorful past.

Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe, the show follows Harry Lime, a charming and cunning American expatriate, as he navigates a world of intrigue, espionage, and high-stakes confidence games. Each episode presents a new escapade from Lime’s checkered history, showcasing his wit, resourcefulness, and questionable ethics as he schemes his way across the continent.

The series brilliantly blends elements of noir, thriller, and dark comedy, creating a unique listening experience that captivated audiences of the early 1950s. With its sophisticated storytelling, atmospheric sound design, and the unmistakable presence of Orson Welles in the lead role, The Lives of Harry Lime stands as a testament to the golden age of radio drama.

The Stars

At the heart of The Lives of Harry Lime is the incomparable Orson Welles, reprising his role as the titular character from The Third Man. Welles’s rich, resonant voice and impeccable timing bring Harry Lime to life, infusing the character with a magnetic charm that makes even his most dubious actions seem almost forgivable. His performance is a masterclass in audio acting, conveying volumes through vocal nuance alone.

While Welles is undoubtedly the star of the show, each episode features a rotating cast of talented voice actors who populate Lime’s world with colorful characters. These supporting players, many of whom were well-known radio performers of the time, help to create a vivid tapestry of post-war Europe, from seedy back alleys to luxurious hotels.

The series also benefits from the musical talents of Anton Karas, whose iconic zither theme from The Third Man film is repurposed as the show’s signature tune. This distinctive sound immediately sets the mood for each episode, transporting listeners to Harry Lime’s world of shadows and intrigue.

Key Dates

• August 3, 1951: The Lives of Harry Lime makes its debut on BBC Radio, marking the return of Harry Lime to the airwaves.
• May 1952: The final episode of the series is broadcast, bringing the total number of episodes to 52.
• 1952: Syndicated to American Radio The Third Man subtitled The Lives of Harry Lime

Other Information

Format: Each episode of The Lives of Harry Lime is a self-contained story, typically running about 30 minutes. This format allowed for a wide variety of adventures, from elaborate confidence schemes to tense espionage plots, all narrated by Lime himself.

Opening Sequence: One of the most memorable aspects of the show is its distinctive opening. Each episode begins with the haunting zither theme, followed by a gunshot and Welles’s voice: “That was the shot that killed Harry Lime. He died in a sewer beneath Vienna, as those of you know who saw the movie The Third Man. Yes, that was the end of Harry Lime… but it was not the beginning. Harry Lime had many lives… and I can recount all of them. How do I know? Very simple. My name is Harry Lime.”

Relationship to The Third Man: While the radio series serves as a prequel to the events of The Third Man, it takes some liberties with the character’s backstory. The Harry Lime of the radio show is generally more likable and less ruthless than his film counterpart, though still operating firmly in the grey areas of morality.

International Production: Interestingly, while The Lives of Harry Lime was produced in England, it was primarily intended for American audiences. The show was syndicated in the United States by the Harry Alan Towers syndication company, demonstrating the international appeal of both the character and Orson Welles himself.

Welles’s Involvement: Beyond his starring role, Orson Welles was heavily involved in the creative aspects of the show. He is credited with writing several episodes, bringing his distinctive style and wit to the scripts. This level of involvement was typical for Welles, who often sought creative control in his projects.

Cultural Impact: The Lives of Harry Lime helped to cement Harry Lime’s status as one of the great antiheroes of 20th-century fiction. The character’s popularity extended beyond the original film and this radio series, inspiring further adaptations and references in popular culture.

Preservation: Many episodes of The Lives of Harry Lime have been preserved and are available to modern listeners, allowing new generations to discover this gem of old-time radio. The series serves as an excellent example of how radio drama could create rich, immersive worlds through sound alone.

Critical Reception: While overshadowed by the reputation of The Third Man film, The Lives of Harry Lime was well-received in its time and has since gained appreciation among old-time radio enthusiasts. Critics have praised Welles’s performance and the show’s ability to capture the essence of post-war Europe.

In conclusion, The Lives of Harry Lime stands as a fascinating chapter in the history of both old-time radio and the Harry Lime character. Its blend of suspense, humor, and moral ambiguity, all brought to life by the incomparable Orson Welles, makes it a must-listen for fans of classic radio drama and film noir alike.

The series not only expands on the world of The Third Man but also showcases the unique storytelling possibilities of the audio medium, proving that sometimes, the most vivid pictures are the ones painted in the theater of the mind.